Nicola here talking about the summer holidays and the history of being beside the seaside. It’s the time of year in England when the schools are on holiday and as most people still aren’t able to travel abroad because of pandemic regulations, lots and lots of people are taking their holidays at home, particularly at the coast. The English weather being what it is, this is a risky occupation but a downpour of rain isn’t enough to put the hardy holidaymaker off! I can remember childhood holidays when the beach was so wet with rain coming down as well as the tide coming in that my sandcastles set like cement!
When I was a child (and I know that line makes me sound ancient) we took all our holidays at home, sometimes at the coast and sometimes in the countryside. Coming from Yorkshire, our favoured seaside resort was Scarborough on the east coast but we also visited family in Morecambe. In the 1920s and 30s my grandparents had been amongst the working-class crowds from Bradford who had taken their fortnight’s holiday at Morecambe. Here are my family enjoying an outing to the seaside in 1938!
As readers and authors of Regency novels, we know that the seaside holiday originated out of the fashion for medicinal sea-bathing 
in the 17th and 18th centuries when people would take to the waters in bathing huts on wheels attended by “dippers” who would immerse you in the health-giving seawater. This trend began early in the 18th century at the port of Liverpool but was taken up in a more refined manner at spa resorts such as Scarborough which were considered the most efficacious because the cold, strong waters of the North Sea were said to be healthier than the gentler ones of the south coast. The idea of immersing yourself in water was a new one in the 18th century as previously bathing had been considered wanton and in danger of leading to orgies such as those indulged in by the Romans. To change this attitude required doctors to make it respectable on medical grounds!
As early as the 1660s, a Dr Wittie had declared that the sea “cured gout, dried up superfluous humours and killed all manner of worms” but it took a further 70 years before people started to take the sea water cure in any numbers. When they did, they imported all the entertainments of the spa town: dancing, theatre and horse racing on the sands.
The Regency seaside resort reached its most fashionable heights at Brighton when it was made popular by the Prince Regent, with shops, libraries, assembly rooms, and all the paraphernalia of the social season developing alongside. Interestingly one of the earliest seaside traditions, donkey rides along the beach, originated in the 1780s although this was an activity for adults rather than children in those days and the ladies rode side saddle. Men traditionally bathed naked and during the Regency there is evidence that women sometimes did too although the long concealing gowns were more common. Certainly by the end of the Regency era women were encased in layers of clammy material whilst men continued to bathe nude in Brighton until 1871 when local regulations were brought in to force them to wear drawers!
The first pier in England was at Ryde in the Isle of Wight in 1813 although that originated more as a jetty because prior to its 
construction, visitors had had to be carried ashore like luggage on the back of a porter! Brighton’s pier was quick to follow and that led to a building rush at seaside resorts. A lot of the “pier shows” would be considered deeply inappropriate these days – Punch and Judy, Pierrot and minstrel shows and peep-shows have fallen by the wayside but some of the older traditions remain. Sandcastles, for instance, became popular in the Victorian era when there was a demand for the production of buckets and spades. Over the decades this has evolved into the amazing sand sculptures we see today. Rock-pooling was another Victorian activity that still enthrals today.
But what about seaside food? Before there were sea front restaurants, there were food sellers who wandered along the beaches offering you shrimps and oysters, cockles and whelks, which were sold in little calico bags. Shrimps were considered the greatest delicacy in Regency Brighton and were eaten for breakfast.
The classic meal of fish and chips became available in the 1860s when someone had the brilliant idea of putting fried fish together with fried potatoes. The rest, as they say, is history.
That other staple of beach holidays, the stick of rock, evolved out of sugar sticks known as “fairground rock” which was available 
from the early 19th century. Pedlars offered a lot of other sweetmeats to beach goers: A list of some of the food sold on the beach at Great Yarmouth in Norfolk in 1897 included chocolate creams, buns (2 for 1 penny), apples a penny a bag, Yarmouth rock, lemonade, walnuts and milk.
Candy floss, or cotton candy, came to the UK from the US in the early years of the 20th century. This was the first time it had been mass-produced although spun sugar had been made as far back as the mid-eighteenth century. Perhaps it’s in keeping with the idea of a visit to the seaside being a treat that the food that goes with it is mostly made of fat or sugar!
When I go to the seaside, I almost always come back with some sort of souvenir, whether it’s some sea glass (which I found this year on the Isle of Coll) or the stuffed seal I bought a while ago in Blackpool. Again, that's part of a tradition stretching back to the 18th century that started with wooden ornaments and progressed to china like the mug in the picture. Whatever the souvenir, it's a lovely reminder of happy holidays, and I firmly agree with the medical profession that the sea air is good for you even if the doughnuts and fish and chip help pile on the pounds!
What are your experiences of the seaside? Did you visit as a child and do you still go? What are your favourite beach occupations (relaxing with a good book?) and your special seaside food?
Lovely post, Nicola! Regency sea bathing is such a hoot when you look back on it. Both sets of my grandparents had summer houses in Wildwood, NJ, and we were fortunate to go every summer for the two weeks before the Fourth of July. My father’s mother ran an apartment/rooming house and my mother’s parents had a duplex so there was lots of room for aunts, uncles, my 26 first cousins, my siblings and I to enjoy the beach and boardwalk. This was in the 50-60s and your Easter Sunday finest was worn on the nights you strolled the boardwalk and rode the rides. Lunch on the beach was two hot dogs and a small drink for twenty five cents! I have such fond memories of those days. We are heading “down the shore” as we say, in September and I will enjoy some good books under an umbrella and sunscreen.
Lovely post, Nicola! Regency sea bathing is such a hoot when you look back on it. Both sets of my grandparents had summer houses in Wildwood, NJ, and we were fortunate to go every summer for the two weeks before the Fourth of July. My father’s mother ran an apartment/rooming house and my mother’s parents had a duplex so there was lots of room for aunts, uncles, my 26 first cousins, my siblings and I to enjoy the beach and boardwalk. This was in the 50-60s and your Easter Sunday finest was worn on the nights you strolled the boardwalk and rode the rides. Lunch on the beach was two hot dogs and a small drink for twenty five cents! I have such fond memories of those days. We are heading “down the shore” as we say, in September and I will enjoy some good books under an umbrella and sunscreen.
Lovely post, Nicola! Regency sea bathing is such a hoot when you look back on it. Both sets of my grandparents had summer houses in Wildwood, NJ, and we were fortunate to go every summer for the two weeks before the Fourth of July. My father’s mother ran an apartment/rooming house and my mother’s parents had a duplex so there was lots of room for aunts, uncles, my 26 first cousins, my siblings and I to enjoy the beach and boardwalk. This was in the 50-60s and your Easter Sunday finest was worn on the nights you strolled the boardwalk and rode the rides. Lunch on the beach was two hot dogs and a small drink for twenty five cents! I have such fond memories of those days. We are heading “down the shore” as we say, in September and I will enjoy some good books under an umbrella and sunscreen.
Lovely post, Nicola! Regency sea bathing is such a hoot when you look back on it. Both sets of my grandparents had summer houses in Wildwood, NJ, and we were fortunate to go every summer for the two weeks before the Fourth of July. My father’s mother ran an apartment/rooming house and my mother’s parents had a duplex so there was lots of room for aunts, uncles, my 26 first cousins, my siblings and I to enjoy the beach and boardwalk. This was in the 50-60s and your Easter Sunday finest was worn on the nights you strolled the boardwalk and rode the rides. Lunch on the beach was two hot dogs and a small drink for twenty five cents! I have such fond memories of those days. We are heading “down the shore” as we say, in September and I will enjoy some good books under an umbrella and sunscreen.
Lovely post, Nicola! Regency sea bathing is such a hoot when you look back on it. Both sets of my grandparents had summer houses in Wildwood, NJ, and we were fortunate to go every summer for the two weeks before the Fourth of July. My father’s mother ran an apartment/rooming house and my mother’s parents had a duplex so there was lots of room for aunts, uncles, my 26 first cousins, my siblings and I to enjoy the beach and boardwalk. This was in the 50-60s and your Easter Sunday finest was worn on the nights you strolled the boardwalk and rode the rides. Lunch on the beach was two hot dogs and a small drink for twenty five cents! I have such fond memories of those days. We are heading “down the shore” as we say, in September and I will enjoy some good books under an umbrella and sunscreen.
Nicola, what a fun post! I suspect the proof that we evolved from sea creatures is the passion we have returning to the sea whenever possible!
I grew up inland so the sea was unlikely, but there are lots of beautiful lakes in Upstate New York. (Many of them shaped by glaciers.) Alas, no piers of donkey rides. (But we did have junk food!)
Nicola, what a fun post! I suspect the proof that we evolved from sea creatures is the passion we have returning to the sea whenever possible!
I grew up inland so the sea was unlikely, but there are lots of beautiful lakes in Upstate New York. (Many of them shaped by glaciers.) Alas, no piers of donkey rides. (But we did have junk food!)
Nicola, what a fun post! I suspect the proof that we evolved from sea creatures is the passion we have returning to the sea whenever possible!
I grew up inland so the sea was unlikely, but there are lots of beautiful lakes in Upstate New York. (Many of them shaped by glaciers.) Alas, no piers of donkey rides. (But we did have junk food!)
Nicola, what a fun post! I suspect the proof that we evolved from sea creatures is the passion we have returning to the sea whenever possible!
I grew up inland so the sea was unlikely, but there are lots of beautiful lakes in Upstate New York. (Many of them shaped by glaciers.) Alas, no piers of donkey rides. (But we did have junk food!)
Nicola, what a fun post! I suspect the proof that we evolved from sea creatures is the passion we have returning to the sea whenever possible!
I grew up inland so the sea was unlikely, but there are lots of beautiful lakes in Upstate New York. (Many of them shaped by glaciers.) Alas, no piers of donkey rides. (But we did have junk food!)
My FIRST sea-side experiences were at our fresh-water seas: different views of Lake Michigan, the only one of the Great Lakes not shared with Canada. I have been told that on my first view of Lake Michigan (at Benton Harbor, Michigan) I said “Too much water!” The first time my family heard me make that complaint. Later on, I enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan in the Chicago area.
The first time I met the ocean, I had been to Lake Michigan earlier in the sumner, then spent time at camp on a small lake in Michigan state. After my father’s summer school session ended, we went east to see some of the country, and swam in an ocean inlet from the shores of Long Island. At the time, I didn’t notice much difference in the various swims (but I didn’t care for the aroma of the Atlantic Ocean. Since then I’ve seen other views of the Atlantic, but that Long Island beach is the only place I have swum in.
As for food, the only time I’ve had “Fish and Chips” was at Tattersalls in London, during our single overseas visit. Not very close to the seaside, but an experience to teasure.
My FIRST sea-side experiences were at our fresh-water seas: different views of Lake Michigan, the only one of the Great Lakes not shared with Canada. I have been told that on my first view of Lake Michigan (at Benton Harbor, Michigan) I said “Too much water!” The first time my family heard me make that complaint. Later on, I enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan in the Chicago area.
The first time I met the ocean, I had been to Lake Michigan earlier in the sumner, then spent time at camp on a small lake in Michigan state. After my father’s summer school session ended, we went east to see some of the country, and swam in an ocean inlet from the shores of Long Island. At the time, I didn’t notice much difference in the various swims (but I didn’t care for the aroma of the Atlantic Ocean. Since then I’ve seen other views of the Atlantic, but that Long Island beach is the only place I have swum in.
As for food, the only time I’ve had “Fish and Chips” was at Tattersalls in London, during our single overseas visit. Not very close to the seaside, but an experience to teasure.
My FIRST sea-side experiences were at our fresh-water seas: different views of Lake Michigan, the only one of the Great Lakes not shared with Canada. I have been told that on my first view of Lake Michigan (at Benton Harbor, Michigan) I said “Too much water!” The first time my family heard me make that complaint. Later on, I enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan in the Chicago area.
The first time I met the ocean, I had been to Lake Michigan earlier in the sumner, then spent time at camp on a small lake in Michigan state. After my father’s summer school session ended, we went east to see some of the country, and swam in an ocean inlet from the shores of Long Island. At the time, I didn’t notice much difference in the various swims (but I didn’t care for the aroma of the Atlantic Ocean. Since then I’ve seen other views of the Atlantic, but that Long Island beach is the only place I have swum in.
As for food, the only time I’ve had “Fish and Chips” was at Tattersalls in London, during our single overseas visit. Not very close to the seaside, but an experience to teasure.
My FIRST sea-side experiences were at our fresh-water seas: different views of Lake Michigan, the only one of the Great Lakes not shared with Canada. I have been told that on my first view of Lake Michigan (at Benton Harbor, Michigan) I said “Too much water!” The first time my family heard me make that complaint. Later on, I enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan in the Chicago area.
The first time I met the ocean, I had been to Lake Michigan earlier in the sumner, then spent time at camp on a small lake in Michigan state. After my father’s summer school session ended, we went east to see some of the country, and swam in an ocean inlet from the shores of Long Island. At the time, I didn’t notice much difference in the various swims (but I didn’t care for the aroma of the Atlantic Ocean. Since then I’ve seen other views of the Atlantic, but that Long Island beach is the only place I have swum in.
As for food, the only time I’ve had “Fish and Chips” was at Tattersalls in London, during our single overseas visit. Not very close to the seaside, but an experience to teasure.
My FIRST sea-side experiences were at our fresh-water seas: different views of Lake Michigan, the only one of the Great Lakes not shared with Canada. I have been told that on my first view of Lake Michigan (at Benton Harbor, Michigan) I said “Too much water!” The first time my family heard me make that complaint. Later on, I enjoyed swimming in Lake Michigan in the Chicago area.
The first time I met the ocean, I had been to Lake Michigan earlier in the sumner, then spent time at camp on a small lake in Michigan state. After my father’s summer school session ended, we went east to see some of the country, and swam in an ocean inlet from the shores of Long Island. At the time, I didn’t notice much difference in the various swims (but I didn’t care for the aroma of the Atlantic Ocean. Since then I’ve seen other views of the Atlantic, but that Long Island beach is the only place I have swum in.
As for food, the only time I’ve had “Fish and Chips” was at Tattersalls in London, during our single overseas visit. Not very close to the seaside, but an experience to teasure.
What wonderful memories, Denise! You call them up so vividly. It must have been an amazing experience for your whole extended family (26 cousins!).
What wonderful memories, Denise! You call them up so vividly. It must have been an amazing experience for your whole extended family (26 cousins!).
What wonderful memories, Denise! You call them up so vividly. It must have been an amazing experience for your whole extended family (26 cousins!).
What wonderful memories, Denise! You call them up so vividly. It must have been an amazing experience for your whole extended family (26 cousins!).
What wonderful memories, Denise! You call them up so vividly. It must have been an amazing experience for your whole extended family (26 cousins!).
LOL! I love the way you trace our love of the sea back to evolution, Mary Jo – it makes perfect sense!
I imagine that the beauty of the lakes must have been just as much fun, especially with the food treats!
LOL! I love the way you trace our love of the sea back to evolution, Mary Jo – it makes perfect sense!
I imagine that the beauty of the lakes must have been just as much fun, especially with the food treats!
LOL! I love the way you trace our love of the sea back to evolution, Mary Jo – it makes perfect sense!
I imagine that the beauty of the lakes must have been just as much fun, especially with the food treats!
LOL! I love the way you trace our love of the sea back to evolution, Mary Jo – it makes perfect sense!
I imagine that the beauty of the lakes must have been just as much fun, especially with the food treats!
LOL! I love the way you trace our love of the sea back to evolution, Mary Jo – it makes perfect sense!
I imagine that the beauty of the lakes must have been just as much fun, especially with the food treats!
Haha, Sue! I’m glad you were able to get past the initial “too much water” to enjoy swimming in the lakes! It sounds lovely. I love hearing everyone’s waterside experiences because this is all so exotic to me – Long Island!
Haha, Sue! I’m glad you were able to get past the initial “too much water” to enjoy swimming in the lakes! It sounds lovely. I love hearing everyone’s waterside experiences because this is all so exotic to me – Long Island!
Haha, Sue! I’m glad you were able to get past the initial “too much water” to enjoy swimming in the lakes! It sounds lovely. I love hearing everyone’s waterside experiences because this is all so exotic to me – Long Island!
Haha, Sue! I’m glad you were able to get past the initial “too much water” to enjoy swimming in the lakes! It sounds lovely. I love hearing everyone’s waterside experiences because this is all so exotic to me – Long Island!
Haha, Sue! I’m glad you were able to get past the initial “too much water” to enjoy swimming in the lakes! It sounds lovely. I love hearing everyone’s waterside experiences because this is all so exotic to me – Long Island!
I had the fortunate experience of living on several islands when I was growing up — NZ, Australia [admittedly a large island!], Guam, and Jamaica — so have spent time on beaches in various locales. I remember enjoying jumping the incoming waves as a child. I haven’t spent much time at the ocean as an adult, but I enjoy watching and listening to it when an opportunity arises. If I do go to an ocean or lake, I likely will bring a book and enjoy some local ice cream.
I had the fortunate experience of living on several islands when I was growing up — NZ, Australia [admittedly a large island!], Guam, and Jamaica — so have spent time on beaches in various locales. I remember enjoying jumping the incoming waves as a child. I haven’t spent much time at the ocean as an adult, but I enjoy watching and listening to it when an opportunity arises. If I do go to an ocean or lake, I likely will bring a book and enjoy some local ice cream.
I had the fortunate experience of living on several islands when I was growing up — NZ, Australia [admittedly a large island!], Guam, and Jamaica — so have spent time on beaches in various locales. I remember enjoying jumping the incoming waves as a child. I haven’t spent much time at the ocean as an adult, but I enjoy watching and listening to it when an opportunity arises. If I do go to an ocean or lake, I likely will bring a book and enjoy some local ice cream.
I had the fortunate experience of living on several islands when I was growing up — NZ, Australia [admittedly a large island!], Guam, and Jamaica — so have spent time on beaches in various locales. I remember enjoying jumping the incoming waves as a child. I haven’t spent much time at the ocean as an adult, but I enjoy watching and listening to it when an opportunity arises. If I do go to an ocean or lake, I likely will bring a book and enjoy some local ice cream.
I had the fortunate experience of living on several islands when I was growing up — NZ, Australia [admittedly a large island!], Guam, and Jamaica — so have spent time on beaches in various locales. I remember enjoying jumping the incoming waves as a child. I haven’t spent much time at the ocean as an adult, but I enjoy watching and listening to it when an opportunity arises. If I do go to an ocean or lake, I likely will bring a book and enjoy some local ice cream.
I had never seen the sea until we sailed from Britain to Canada. As a four year old on the Empress of Britain 2 I was way more impressed by the fact I had a non family babysitter (ship staff) who took me to see Wee Geordie at the onboard movie theatre. Luckily we travelled all the way across the country to live on the southern part of Vancouver Island so we are SURROUNDED by beaches! Our family didn’t need to go very far to spend the day on the beach with my bald Grandad (knotted hankie covering his head!) sucking back oysters and Dad cooking the fish he had caught off the rocks. There was always a camp stove going for the continual cups of tea needed for all of us. Mum would bring her book and be perfectly happy. The kids would run around getting everybody wet and sandy and having great fun! All great memories. Now I’m afraid I hate bugs and if I sat down on the sand to read I’m not sure I could get back up!!
I had never seen the sea until we sailed from Britain to Canada. As a four year old on the Empress of Britain 2 I was way more impressed by the fact I had a non family babysitter (ship staff) who took me to see Wee Geordie at the onboard movie theatre. Luckily we travelled all the way across the country to live on the southern part of Vancouver Island so we are SURROUNDED by beaches! Our family didn’t need to go very far to spend the day on the beach with my bald Grandad (knotted hankie covering his head!) sucking back oysters and Dad cooking the fish he had caught off the rocks. There was always a camp stove going for the continual cups of tea needed for all of us. Mum would bring her book and be perfectly happy. The kids would run around getting everybody wet and sandy and having great fun! All great memories. Now I’m afraid I hate bugs and if I sat down on the sand to read I’m not sure I could get back up!!
I had never seen the sea until we sailed from Britain to Canada. As a four year old on the Empress of Britain 2 I was way more impressed by the fact I had a non family babysitter (ship staff) who took me to see Wee Geordie at the onboard movie theatre. Luckily we travelled all the way across the country to live on the southern part of Vancouver Island so we are SURROUNDED by beaches! Our family didn’t need to go very far to spend the day on the beach with my bald Grandad (knotted hankie covering his head!) sucking back oysters and Dad cooking the fish he had caught off the rocks. There was always a camp stove going for the continual cups of tea needed for all of us. Mum would bring her book and be perfectly happy. The kids would run around getting everybody wet and sandy and having great fun! All great memories. Now I’m afraid I hate bugs and if I sat down on the sand to read I’m not sure I could get back up!!
I had never seen the sea until we sailed from Britain to Canada. As a four year old on the Empress of Britain 2 I was way more impressed by the fact I had a non family babysitter (ship staff) who took me to see Wee Geordie at the onboard movie theatre. Luckily we travelled all the way across the country to live on the southern part of Vancouver Island so we are SURROUNDED by beaches! Our family didn’t need to go very far to spend the day on the beach with my bald Grandad (knotted hankie covering his head!) sucking back oysters and Dad cooking the fish he had caught off the rocks. There was always a camp stove going for the continual cups of tea needed for all of us. Mum would bring her book and be perfectly happy. The kids would run around getting everybody wet and sandy and having great fun! All great memories. Now I’m afraid I hate bugs and if I sat down on the sand to read I’m not sure I could get back up!!
I had never seen the sea until we sailed from Britain to Canada. As a four year old on the Empress of Britain 2 I was way more impressed by the fact I had a non family babysitter (ship staff) who took me to see Wee Geordie at the onboard movie theatre. Luckily we travelled all the way across the country to live on the southern part of Vancouver Island so we are SURROUNDED by beaches! Our family didn’t need to go very far to spend the day on the beach with my bald Grandad (knotted hankie covering his head!) sucking back oysters and Dad cooking the fish he had caught off the rocks. There was always a camp stove going for the continual cups of tea needed for all of us. Mum would bring her book and be perfectly happy. The kids would run around getting everybody wet and sandy and having great fun! All great memories. Now I’m afraid I hate bugs and if I sat down on the sand to read I’m not sure I could get back up!!
Hi Kareni! That’s a great selection of islands to have experienced! There is something completely fascinating about the sea as a child – and still as an adult!
Hi Kareni! That’s a great selection of islands to have experienced! There is something completely fascinating about the sea as a child – and still as an adult!
Hi Kareni! That’s a great selection of islands to have experienced! There is something completely fascinating about the sea as a child – and still as an adult!
Hi Kareni! That’s a great selection of islands to have experienced! There is something completely fascinating about the sea as a child – and still as an adult!
Hi Kareni! That’s a great selection of islands to have experienced! There is something completely fascinating about the sea as a child – and still as an adult!
Janet, that entire story is wonderful! First the sailing on a liner – that must have been incredible for a child to experience. And your times on the beach sound wonderful, I loved Vancouver Island when I visited a couple of years ago. So many wonderful beaches – and happy memories!
Janet, that entire story is wonderful! First the sailing on a liner – that must have been incredible for a child to experience. And your times on the beach sound wonderful, I loved Vancouver Island when I visited a couple of years ago. So many wonderful beaches – and happy memories!
Janet, that entire story is wonderful! First the sailing on a liner – that must have been incredible for a child to experience. And your times on the beach sound wonderful, I loved Vancouver Island when I visited a couple of years ago. So many wonderful beaches – and happy memories!
Janet, that entire story is wonderful! First the sailing on a liner – that must have been incredible for a child to experience. And your times on the beach sound wonderful, I loved Vancouver Island when I visited a couple of years ago. So many wonderful beaches – and happy memories!
Janet, that entire story is wonderful! First the sailing on a liner – that must have been incredible for a child to experience. And your times on the beach sound wonderful, I loved Vancouver Island when I visited a couple of years ago. So many wonderful beaches – and happy memories!
Oh you’ve made me want candy floss now, Nicola! Haven’t had that in years and I used to love it 🙂 I remember my first visit to a beach on the west coast of Sweden (don’t think I was very old) when I was terrified of going in the water because there were crabs. I thought they were going to pinch my toes, so silly. Fish and chips in Brighton is a better memory – out of this world delicious!
Oh you’ve made me want candy floss now, Nicola! Haven’t had that in years and I used to love it 🙂 I remember my first visit to a beach on the west coast of Sweden (don’t think I was very old) when I was terrified of going in the water because there were crabs. I thought they were going to pinch my toes, so silly. Fish and chips in Brighton is a better memory – out of this world delicious!
Oh you’ve made me want candy floss now, Nicola! Haven’t had that in years and I used to love it 🙂 I remember my first visit to a beach on the west coast of Sweden (don’t think I was very old) when I was terrified of going in the water because there were crabs. I thought they were going to pinch my toes, so silly. Fish and chips in Brighton is a better memory – out of this world delicious!
Oh you’ve made me want candy floss now, Nicola! Haven’t had that in years and I used to love it 🙂 I remember my first visit to a beach on the west coast of Sweden (don’t think I was very old) when I was terrified of going in the water because there were crabs. I thought they were going to pinch my toes, so silly. Fish and chips in Brighton is a better memory – out of this world delicious!
Oh you’ve made me want candy floss now, Nicola! Haven’t had that in years and I used to love it 🙂 I remember my first visit to a beach on the west coast of Sweden (don’t think I was very old) when I was terrified of going in the water because there were crabs. I thought they were going to pinch my toes, so silly. Fish and chips in Brighton is a better memory – out of this world delicious!
So many memories you’ve brought back to me, Nicola! I was born on the coast of North Carolina but we moved inland when I was seven. My sister and I have an often discussed that being born near the ocean must seek somehow into the soul, because each of us is never more at home than when we are on a beach. She loves to swim, while I prefer to walk along the shore or sit and stare at the waves. We used to go each summer to Ocracoke, one of the barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Our favorite treat was a sno-cone, a paper cone, filled with crushed ice, over which a sweet syrup from a variety of flavors would be poured. There was a tiny trailer near the main beach where an elderly couple lived each summer (they wintered in Florida) and sold sno-cones from a small wooden shack. A few years ago, I took my husband to see Ocracoke, and now there is a much larger and newer trailer, parked next to a not much larger but newer wooden building, where sno-cones are still sold. Isn’t it lovely when things you remember from childhood can still be visited?
I must also add that your use of the term “seaside resort“ brings to mind a “party piece” my husband’s best friend, who is English, used to recite at the end of summer dinners on the beach, called “Albert and the Lion”, made famous, I believe, by Stanley Holloway. One of my very favorite seaside memories is of sitting with our friend on the beach in Whitby (not quite Scarborough, but close), eating fish and chips, fighting off seagulls, and reciting “Albert” multiple times. Yes, there was beer involved!
So many memories you’ve brought back to me, Nicola! I was born on the coast of North Carolina but we moved inland when I was seven. My sister and I have an often discussed that being born near the ocean must seek somehow into the soul, because each of us is never more at home than when we are on a beach. She loves to swim, while I prefer to walk along the shore or sit and stare at the waves. We used to go each summer to Ocracoke, one of the barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Our favorite treat was a sno-cone, a paper cone, filled with crushed ice, over which a sweet syrup from a variety of flavors would be poured. There was a tiny trailer near the main beach where an elderly couple lived each summer (they wintered in Florida) and sold sno-cones from a small wooden shack. A few years ago, I took my husband to see Ocracoke, and now there is a much larger and newer trailer, parked next to a not much larger but newer wooden building, where sno-cones are still sold. Isn’t it lovely when things you remember from childhood can still be visited?
I must also add that your use of the term “seaside resort“ brings to mind a “party piece” my husband’s best friend, who is English, used to recite at the end of summer dinners on the beach, called “Albert and the Lion”, made famous, I believe, by Stanley Holloway. One of my very favorite seaside memories is of sitting with our friend on the beach in Whitby (not quite Scarborough, but close), eating fish and chips, fighting off seagulls, and reciting “Albert” multiple times. Yes, there was beer involved!
So many memories you’ve brought back to me, Nicola! I was born on the coast of North Carolina but we moved inland when I was seven. My sister and I have an often discussed that being born near the ocean must seek somehow into the soul, because each of us is never more at home than when we are on a beach. She loves to swim, while I prefer to walk along the shore or sit and stare at the waves. We used to go each summer to Ocracoke, one of the barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Our favorite treat was a sno-cone, a paper cone, filled with crushed ice, over which a sweet syrup from a variety of flavors would be poured. There was a tiny trailer near the main beach where an elderly couple lived each summer (they wintered in Florida) and sold sno-cones from a small wooden shack. A few years ago, I took my husband to see Ocracoke, and now there is a much larger and newer trailer, parked next to a not much larger but newer wooden building, where sno-cones are still sold. Isn’t it lovely when things you remember from childhood can still be visited?
I must also add that your use of the term “seaside resort“ brings to mind a “party piece” my husband’s best friend, who is English, used to recite at the end of summer dinners on the beach, called “Albert and the Lion”, made famous, I believe, by Stanley Holloway. One of my very favorite seaside memories is of sitting with our friend on the beach in Whitby (not quite Scarborough, but close), eating fish and chips, fighting off seagulls, and reciting “Albert” multiple times. Yes, there was beer involved!
So many memories you’ve brought back to me, Nicola! I was born on the coast of North Carolina but we moved inland when I was seven. My sister and I have an often discussed that being born near the ocean must seek somehow into the soul, because each of us is never more at home than when we are on a beach. She loves to swim, while I prefer to walk along the shore or sit and stare at the waves. We used to go each summer to Ocracoke, one of the barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Our favorite treat was a sno-cone, a paper cone, filled with crushed ice, over which a sweet syrup from a variety of flavors would be poured. There was a tiny trailer near the main beach where an elderly couple lived each summer (they wintered in Florida) and sold sno-cones from a small wooden shack. A few years ago, I took my husband to see Ocracoke, and now there is a much larger and newer trailer, parked next to a not much larger but newer wooden building, where sno-cones are still sold. Isn’t it lovely when things you remember from childhood can still be visited?
I must also add that your use of the term “seaside resort“ brings to mind a “party piece” my husband’s best friend, who is English, used to recite at the end of summer dinners on the beach, called “Albert and the Lion”, made famous, I believe, by Stanley Holloway. One of my very favorite seaside memories is of sitting with our friend on the beach in Whitby (not quite Scarborough, but close), eating fish and chips, fighting off seagulls, and reciting “Albert” multiple times. Yes, there was beer involved!
So many memories you’ve brought back to me, Nicola! I was born on the coast of North Carolina but we moved inland when I was seven. My sister and I have an often discussed that being born near the ocean must seek somehow into the soul, because each of us is never more at home than when we are on a beach. She loves to swim, while I prefer to walk along the shore or sit and stare at the waves. We used to go each summer to Ocracoke, one of the barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Our favorite treat was a sno-cone, a paper cone, filled with crushed ice, over which a sweet syrup from a variety of flavors would be poured. There was a tiny trailer near the main beach where an elderly couple lived each summer (they wintered in Florida) and sold sno-cones from a small wooden shack. A few years ago, I took my husband to see Ocracoke, and now there is a much larger and newer trailer, parked next to a not much larger but newer wooden building, where sno-cones are still sold. Isn’t it lovely when things you remember from childhood can still be visited?
I must also add that your use of the term “seaside resort“ brings to mind a “party piece” my husband’s best friend, who is English, used to recite at the end of summer dinners on the beach, called “Albert and the Lion”, made famous, I believe, by Stanley Holloway. One of my very favorite seaside memories is of sitting with our friend on the beach in Whitby (not quite Scarborough, but close), eating fish and chips, fighting off seagulls, and reciting “Albert” multiple times. Yes, there was beer involved!
Thank to whoever inented fish and chips, it’s an inspired combo! I live at the Jersey shore now(it’s always the shore in New Jersey, never the beach). When I was younger, we lived a couple of hours away, but my parents always rented a summer vacation place in Barnegat Light. It was on a barrier island only 2 blocks wide, so during hurricanes the ocean would wash right across from the ocean to the bay side. Therefore, many of the homes are built on stilts. I remember lots of fishing and crabbing and eating our fresh catch. I always loved swimming in the ocean and collecting shells, but nowadays sitting on the beach in the hot sun is a bit too much. So our favorite activity is to go down to the boardwalk early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.
Thank to whoever inented fish and chips, it’s an inspired combo! I live at the Jersey shore now(it’s always the shore in New Jersey, never the beach). When I was younger, we lived a couple of hours away, but my parents always rented a summer vacation place in Barnegat Light. It was on a barrier island only 2 blocks wide, so during hurricanes the ocean would wash right across from the ocean to the bay side. Therefore, many of the homes are built on stilts. I remember lots of fishing and crabbing and eating our fresh catch. I always loved swimming in the ocean and collecting shells, but nowadays sitting on the beach in the hot sun is a bit too much. So our favorite activity is to go down to the boardwalk early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.
Thank to whoever inented fish and chips, it’s an inspired combo! I live at the Jersey shore now(it’s always the shore in New Jersey, never the beach). When I was younger, we lived a couple of hours away, but my parents always rented a summer vacation place in Barnegat Light. It was on a barrier island only 2 blocks wide, so during hurricanes the ocean would wash right across from the ocean to the bay side. Therefore, many of the homes are built on stilts. I remember lots of fishing and crabbing and eating our fresh catch. I always loved swimming in the ocean and collecting shells, but nowadays sitting on the beach in the hot sun is a bit too much. So our favorite activity is to go down to the boardwalk early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.
Thank to whoever inented fish and chips, it’s an inspired combo! I live at the Jersey shore now(it’s always the shore in New Jersey, never the beach). When I was younger, we lived a couple of hours away, but my parents always rented a summer vacation place in Barnegat Light. It was on a barrier island only 2 blocks wide, so during hurricanes the ocean would wash right across from the ocean to the bay side. Therefore, many of the homes are built on stilts. I remember lots of fishing and crabbing and eating our fresh catch. I always loved swimming in the ocean and collecting shells, but nowadays sitting on the beach in the hot sun is a bit too much. So our favorite activity is to go down to the boardwalk early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.
Thank to whoever inented fish and chips, it’s an inspired combo! I live at the Jersey shore now(it’s always the shore in New Jersey, never the beach). When I was younger, we lived a couple of hours away, but my parents always rented a summer vacation place in Barnegat Light. It was on a barrier island only 2 blocks wide, so during hurricanes the ocean would wash right across from the ocean to the bay side. Therefore, many of the homes are built on stilts. I remember lots of fishing and crabbing and eating our fresh catch. I always loved swimming in the ocean and collecting shells, but nowadays sitting on the beach in the hot sun is a bit too much. So our favorite activity is to go down to the boardwalk early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.
Haha! Well, I can understand that, Christina – crabs can be quite scary to a small child! (I think I was the same about jelly fish stinging me!) Proper, fresh seaside fish and chips really are the most delicious thing, aren’t they!
Haha! Well, I can understand that, Christina – crabs can be quite scary to a small child! (I think I was the same about jelly fish stinging me!) Proper, fresh seaside fish and chips really are the most delicious thing, aren’t they!
Haha! Well, I can understand that, Christina – crabs can be quite scary to a small child! (I think I was the same about jelly fish stinging me!) Proper, fresh seaside fish and chips really are the most delicious thing, aren’t they!
Haha! Well, I can understand that, Christina – crabs can be quite scary to a small child! (I think I was the same about jelly fish stinging me!) Proper, fresh seaside fish and chips really are the most delicious thing, aren’t they!
Haha! Well, I can understand that, Christina – crabs can be quite scary to a small child! (I think I was the same about jelly fish stinging me!) Proper, fresh seaside fish and chips really are the most delicious thing, aren’t they!
What a lovely idea, Constance, of having the ocean in your soul! The sno-cones sound just the sort of thing a child would adore, and how fabulous that they still sell them in Ocracoke!
I haven’t heard Albert and the lion for years but remember that from *my* childhood!
What a lovely idea, Constance, of having the ocean in your soul! The sno-cones sound just the sort of thing a child would adore, and how fabulous that they still sell them in Ocracoke!
I haven’t heard Albert and the lion for years but remember that from *my* childhood!
What a lovely idea, Constance, of having the ocean in your soul! The sno-cones sound just the sort of thing a child would adore, and how fabulous that they still sell them in Ocracoke!
I haven’t heard Albert and the lion for years but remember that from *my* childhood!
What a lovely idea, Constance, of having the ocean in your soul! The sno-cones sound just the sort of thing a child would adore, and how fabulous that they still sell them in Ocracoke!
I haven’t heard Albert and the lion for years but remember that from *my* childhood!
What a lovely idea, Constance, of having the ocean in your soul! The sno-cones sound just the sort of thing a child would adore, and how fabulous that they still sell them in Ocracoke!
I haven’t heard Albert and the lion for years but remember that from *my* childhood!
Karin, watching the sun rise over the ocean is a beautiful, mindful activity! I love the thought of all the houses on stilts. The only time I’ve ever seen that was when I spent a week in Galveston Texas when visiting my aunt as a child.
Karin, watching the sun rise over the ocean is a beautiful, mindful activity! I love the thought of all the houses on stilts. The only time I’ve ever seen that was when I spent a week in Galveston Texas when visiting my aunt as a child.
Karin, watching the sun rise over the ocean is a beautiful, mindful activity! I love the thought of all the houses on stilts. The only time I’ve ever seen that was when I spent a week in Galveston Texas when visiting my aunt as a child.
Karin, watching the sun rise over the ocean is a beautiful, mindful activity! I love the thought of all the houses on stilts. The only time I’ve ever seen that was when I spent a week in Galveston Texas when visiting my aunt as a child.
Karin, watching the sun rise over the ocean is a beautiful, mindful activity! I love the thought of all the houses on stilts. The only time I’ve ever seen that was when I spent a week in Galveston Texas when visiting my aunt as a child.
When I watched Sanditon on PBS and the men were strolling the beach in their birthday suits I thought no way! Thanks for setting that straight for me. I grew up in Houston, Texas and it was a real treat to drive 60 miles to Galveston Island for a day at the beach. We’d splash in the water, have a picnic, look for sea shells, visit the gift shop on a pier (Murdoch’s–it is still there but has been rebuilt once or twice), walk out on the jetties to see what fishermen were catching. It didn’t occur to us kids that what they were catching were also swimming in the water with us. Hammerhead sharks anyone? Before we piled back in the car to go home Mom would pull out turpentine and a rag to clean the tar off the bottoms of our feet.
When I watched Sanditon on PBS and the men were strolling the beach in their birthday suits I thought no way! Thanks for setting that straight for me. I grew up in Houston, Texas and it was a real treat to drive 60 miles to Galveston Island for a day at the beach. We’d splash in the water, have a picnic, look for sea shells, visit the gift shop on a pier (Murdoch’s–it is still there but has been rebuilt once or twice), walk out on the jetties to see what fishermen were catching. It didn’t occur to us kids that what they were catching were also swimming in the water with us. Hammerhead sharks anyone? Before we piled back in the car to go home Mom would pull out turpentine and a rag to clean the tar off the bottoms of our feet.
When I watched Sanditon on PBS and the men were strolling the beach in their birthday suits I thought no way! Thanks for setting that straight for me. I grew up in Houston, Texas and it was a real treat to drive 60 miles to Galveston Island for a day at the beach. We’d splash in the water, have a picnic, look for sea shells, visit the gift shop on a pier (Murdoch’s–it is still there but has been rebuilt once or twice), walk out on the jetties to see what fishermen were catching. It didn’t occur to us kids that what they were catching were also swimming in the water with us. Hammerhead sharks anyone? Before we piled back in the car to go home Mom would pull out turpentine and a rag to clean the tar off the bottoms of our feet.
When I watched Sanditon on PBS and the men were strolling the beach in their birthday suits I thought no way! Thanks for setting that straight for me. I grew up in Houston, Texas and it was a real treat to drive 60 miles to Galveston Island for a day at the beach. We’d splash in the water, have a picnic, look for sea shells, visit the gift shop on a pier (Murdoch’s–it is still there but has been rebuilt once or twice), walk out on the jetties to see what fishermen were catching. It didn’t occur to us kids that what they were catching were also swimming in the water with us. Hammerhead sharks anyone? Before we piled back in the car to go home Mom would pull out turpentine and a rag to clean the tar off the bottoms of our feet.
When I watched Sanditon on PBS and the men were strolling the beach in their birthday suits I thought no way! Thanks for setting that straight for me. I grew up in Houston, Texas and it was a real treat to drive 60 miles to Galveston Island for a day at the beach. We’d splash in the water, have a picnic, look for sea shells, visit the gift shop on a pier (Murdoch’s–it is still there but has been rebuilt once or twice), walk out on the jetties to see what fishermen were catching. It didn’t occur to us kids that what they were catching were also swimming in the water with us. Hammerhead sharks anyone? Before we piled back in the car to go home Mom would pull out turpentine and a rag to clean the tar off the bottoms of our feet.
I was born in Indiana. No ocean, but Lake Michigan is right there. When I was a very young child a group from our family would go to the Lake. Our family was large, so we were quite a group.
I remember the water and how cold it was. But, getting to the water was quite a dangerous journey. The sand was so hot it really could give burns. It was wonderful.
When I was a little older, a group of us would ride bikes to the Lake just to see it. We did not really believe it would no longer be there, but we needed to make sure. The long bike ride was never something that my parents needed to know.
We stopped for lunch in a cemetery. It was beautiful and there were swans on a pond. It was a rest stop on the way to the big show. All the water and the sandy beach were beautiful.
I have seen the Pacific, and walked in the sand and the water. I have seen the Gulf of Mexico and walked on the beach and through the waves.
And that sense of feeling like the water is a part of me,is something that has been with me since those walks across the hot, hot sand.
I want to thank you for this terrific post. It is filled with lovely reminders of how much we can enjoy the water and how many really good things there are to eat.
I hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
I was born in Indiana. No ocean, but Lake Michigan is right there. When I was a very young child a group from our family would go to the Lake. Our family was large, so we were quite a group.
I remember the water and how cold it was. But, getting to the water was quite a dangerous journey. The sand was so hot it really could give burns. It was wonderful.
When I was a little older, a group of us would ride bikes to the Lake just to see it. We did not really believe it would no longer be there, but we needed to make sure. The long bike ride was never something that my parents needed to know.
We stopped for lunch in a cemetery. It was beautiful and there were swans on a pond. It was a rest stop on the way to the big show. All the water and the sandy beach were beautiful.
I have seen the Pacific, and walked in the sand and the water. I have seen the Gulf of Mexico and walked on the beach and through the waves.
And that sense of feeling like the water is a part of me,is something that has been with me since those walks across the hot, hot sand.
I want to thank you for this terrific post. It is filled with lovely reminders of how much we can enjoy the water and how many really good things there are to eat.
I hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
I was born in Indiana. No ocean, but Lake Michigan is right there. When I was a very young child a group from our family would go to the Lake. Our family was large, so we were quite a group.
I remember the water and how cold it was. But, getting to the water was quite a dangerous journey. The sand was so hot it really could give burns. It was wonderful.
When I was a little older, a group of us would ride bikes to the Lake just to see it. We did not really believe it would no longer be there, but we needed to make sure. The long bike ride was never something that my parents needed to know.
We stopped for lunch in a cemetery. It was beautiful and there were swans on a pond. It was a rest stop on the way to the big show. All the water and the sandy beach were beautiful.
I have seen the Pacific, and walked in the sand and the water. I have seen the Gulf of Mexico and walked on the beach and through the waves.
And that sense of feeling like the water is a part of me,is something that has been with me since those walks across the hot, hot sand.
I want to thank you for this terrific post. It is filled with lovely reminders of how much we can enjoy the water and how many really good things there are to eat.
I hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
I was born in Indiana. No ocean, but Lake Michigan is right there. When I was a very young child a group from our family would go to the Lake. Our family was large, so we were quite a group.
I remember the water and how cold it was. But, getting to the water was quite a dangerous journey. The sand was so hot it really could give burns. It was wonderful.
When I was a little older, a group of us would ride bikes to the Lake just to see it. We did not really believe it would no longer be there, but we needed to make sure. The long bike ride was never something that my parents needed to know.
We stopped for lunch in a cemetery. It was beautiful and there were swans on a pond. It was a rest stop on the way to the big show. All the water and the sandy beach were beautiful.
I have seen the Pacific, and walked in the sand and the water. I have seen the Gulf of Mexico and walked on the beach and through the waves.
And that sense of feeling like the water is a part of me,is something that has been with me since those walks across the hot, hot sand.
I want to thank you for this terrific post. It is filled with lovely reminders of how much we can enjoy the water and how many really good things there are to eat.
I hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
I was born in Indiana. No ocean, but Lake Michigan is right there. When I was a very young child a group from our family would go to the Lake. Our family was large, so we were quite a group.
I remember the water and how cold it was. But, getting to the water was quite a dangerous journey. The sand was so hot it really could give burns. It was wonderful.
When I was a little older, a group of us would ride bikes to the Lake just to see it. We did not really believe it would no longer be there, but we needed to make sure. The long bike ride was never something that my parents needed to know.
We stopped for lunch in a cemetery. It was beautiful and there were swans on a pond. It was a rest stop on the way to the big show. All the water and the sandy beach were beautiful.
I have seen the Pacific, and walked in the sand and the water. I have seen the Gulf of Mexico and walked on the beach and through the waves.
And that sense of feeling like the water is a part of me,is something that has been with me since those walks across the hot, hot sand.
I want to thank you for this terrific post. It is filled with lovely reminders of how much we can enjoy the water and how many really good things there are to eat.
I hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Wonderful reminiscences, Pat, especially about cleaning the tar from your feet! I love how happy and light-hearted so many memories are of our days by the sea. They certainly stay in the mind. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful reminiscences, Pat, especially about cleaning the tar from your feet! I love how happy and light-hearted so many memories are of our days by the sea. They certainly stay in the mind. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful reminiscences, Pat, especially about cleaning the tar from your feet! I love how happy and light-hearted so many memories are of our days by the sea. They certainly stay in the mind. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful reminiscences, Pat, especially about cleaning the tar from your feet! I love how happy and light-hearted so many memories are of our days by the sea. They certainly stay in the mind. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful reminiscences, Pat, especially about cleaning the tar from your feet! I love how happy and light-hearted so many memories are of our days by the sea. They certainly stay in the mind. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Annette! I am glad you liked it and that it brought back such happy memories. I love the way people have shared such vivid recollections of beach trips they have enjoyed. Clearly the water has a very special place in our hearts and lives.
Thank you so much, Annette! I am glad you liked it and that it brought back such happy memories. I love the way people have shared such vivid recollections of beach trips they have enjoyed. Clearly the water has a very special place in our hearts and lives.
Thank you so much, Annette! I am glad you liked it and that it brought back such happy memories. I love the way people have shared such vivid recollections of beach trips they have enjoyed. Clearly the water has a very special place in our hearts and lives.
Thank you so much, Annette! I am glad you liked it and that it brought back such happy memories. I love the way people have shared such vivid recollections of beach trips they have enjoyed. Clearly the water has a very special place in our hearts and lives.
Thank you so much, Annette! I am glad you liked it and that it brought back such happy memories. I love the way people have shared such vivid recollections of beach trips they have enjoyed. Clearly the water has a very special place in our hearts and lives.